Significance

• Lung diseases that target the lungs include asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, and even the common flu. All of these conditions can be managed and even prevented with the help of proper nutrition. Unlike other organs, your lungs are directly connected to the outside environment through your airways. Avoiding air pollutants and cigarette smoke, both firsthand and secondhand, can help prevent lung inflammation or swelling, as well as chronic bronchitis and lung cancer that can result when such conditions are prolonged.
  
  

Diet and Asthma

• Asthma, a condition that affects nearly 25 million Americans, needs constant monitoring, but there are ways to avoid or limit asthma triggers. For example, steering clear of food allergies and overly large meals can help prevent asthma attacks. According to National Jewish Health, people with asthma should choose a variety of foods within each food group and eat small amounts of fats, oils and sweets.
  
  

Nutrition

• Also, maintaining a healthy immune system with a balanced diet and proper hygiene can help you avoid complications like respiratory infections that can occur with a serious cold or flu. While vitamin C is known for boosting the immune system, vitamin D remains largely ignored. According to Whole Family Nutrition, though, low vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid levels may create greater susceptibility to colds, flus, and pneumonia. Both of these supplements can be obtained through multivitamin tablets.
  
  

Considerations

• Other illnesses associated with the lungs include emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Both of these health problems are considered chronic obstructive lung diseases, which are caused by multiple health problems. The greatest means of prevention is to quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke. Taking greater care of yourself means watching what you ingest into the body, from the food you eat to the air you breathe.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Your safest bet for protection is to avoid air pollutants and prevent infections with good nutrition. Lowering your stress levels, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, fruits and vegetables, and seeking regular health care makes for a positive path toward breathing free with healthy lungs.